England head coach Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that Reece James remains best suited for a full-back or wing-back role, despite Chelsea experimenting with him in a deeper midfield position. However, the Blues captain must demonstrate that he is physically ready to perform at the highest level.

Tuchel explained that James’ recent call-up to the England squad was based on his consistent availability for training and matches, rather than being sidelined due to injury.

“I know Reece. In calling him up now, we made sure before we called him up that he was constantly available in training, that he was constantly available to be picked for matches—so that when he’s not picked for matches, it’s not because of injury, it’s just a choice of the club to maybe protect him a little bit.

“This was the basis for the nomination. I still feel he is a player for the full-back and wing-back positions. I think we have enough players in central midfield who are more specialists there.”

James has been deployed in a hybrid defensive role at Chelsea this season, often part of a back three in possession. Tuchel acknowledged this shift but stressed that James must now prove he can still excel in the physically demanding wing-back position.

“We need to see if he can do this. He needs to prove the point, to be honest, he needs to prove that he can do it.

“I’m aware he was exposed to less high-intensity work because he played a different role, he started playing in a back three, so with the ball they were building a back three with him, which he did also for me at Chelsea,” Tuchel added.

James has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, and his fitness remains a key concern for both club and country. However, Tuchel’s latest comments suggest that the England manager still believes in James’ potential to dominate on the flanks—if he can stay fit and prove his endurance.